Eve’S Second Chance

By Mary Helen Farr

Evelyn is trapped in an unhappy marriage, fearful for the safety and happiness of herself and her two children, David and Mandy. In a move that is bold for a woman in 1958, she takes the children and escapes to Stotts Corner, a large country town in central Victoria, Australia. Determined to give her family a new and happy life, Evelyn knows that she must find the strength to leave the pains of her past behind.

She reaches out into her adopted community and quickly makes friends. Her new landlord, Thom, is eager to help her build a new lifeboth professionally and personally. He and Evelyn go into business together, opening a caf and then a shop. Evelyn dares to dream of a brighter future, but a woman from Thoms past threatens everything. Martha, Thoms childhood friend and the financier of his new ventures, begins to interfere when she realizes that Evelyn is becoming more than just Thoms business partner. Jealous, Martha holds Thom to ransom over the businesss future.

Bewildered by this unexpected battle of wills, Thom struggles to keep his inner demons at bay. After a lifetime of successfully suppressing his dark side, however, Marthas jealousy causes him to erupt. Thoms devious and manipulative attempts to remove those who stand in the way of his marriage to Evelyn may threaten the happy future she wants with him.

Will her second chance at a happy life be ruined by the man she loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Mar 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781452513102

Mary Helen Farr

Mary Helen Farr lives in Launceston, on the island state of Tasmania, Australia, with her husband and children. The author of two novels and a short story collection, she was short-listed for the Tasmanian Tamar Valley Short Story competition in 2016. She is also a member of the Society of Women Writers of Tasmania.

Book preview

Chapter 1

E velyn stretched within the tight confines of her seat. Her back was aching - four hours of sitting in a bus had whiskers on it. She looked out of the window at the decreasing daylight. The clouds looked ominously black on top and glowed red underneath from the setting sun. Silhouettes of rangy trees showed stark against the ho rizon.

David twitched then startled in his sleep. He was jammed hard against her, not wanting to lose contact with his mother for a moment. His forehead was sweaty and Evelyn brushed his hair back into a cocky’s peak, waking him as she did so.

Are we there yet? he asked, his voice scratchy with sleep.

Not long now love, she replied. About ten minutes by my reckoning. Here, sit up now and get yourself ready.

What about Mandy? Is she awake yet?

No, we’ll let her sleep a little longer. You know what a grump she is when she wakes. Evelyn let a smile play over her lips as she twisted to look at her daughter, stretched across the two seats behind them. Thank goodness Mandy didn’t need to share the seats with anyone on the journey. It meant she had been able to bounce around a bit, before settling into a comfortable position. She’d been asleep for at least two hours.

Evelyn hadn’t even dozed, plenty of time to sleep once they were settled. She breathed deeply, as she wondered what their house would be like. She had rented it over the phone, sight unseen. Please God let it be decent enough to make our new home in, she prayed. No matter, what-ever it was like, at least they’d be safe there.

Look mum, lights! David scrambled onto her lap, to look out of the window. They were driving past houses now. It must be the outskirts of town – their town from now on. Are we here? Is this Stott’s Corner mum, is it? David turned his worried little face to her. He pressed his knobby knees into her thighs and wrapped his arms around her neck.

Careful son, you’re no baby anymore. Here sit on my lap properly. I guess it’s Stott’s Corner, nowhere else it could be now. Let’s see if we can spot a signpost. The two of them trained their eyes on the roadside and the few shops that were beginning to appear amongst the houses. A neon sign sprang into view. It read ‘Stott’s Corner Milk Bar’. There now, we’re here, Evelyn assured her son, who had replaced his frown with a big smile.

Goody mum! Now we can wake Mandy up and tell her.

Alright, you sit back down and I’ll wake the little monster. Look out now…. Evelyn reached back over her seat and gently shook Mandy’s shoulder. A moment later a piercing wail filled the bus. Hush now Mandy, it’s mummy. Come on, sit up and climb over to me.

Mummy! Mandy shrieked. Not fair mummy, don’t want too.

Oh Lord, here we go. Come on baby, come to mummy. Evelyn stretched as far as she could into the seat behind her, but the height of the seats and the limited room the window seat afforded her made it impossible to get a good grip on her daughter. Mandy was as slippery as an eel with a reputation for being a small version of Houdini. Before Evelyn could grab her, the little tot shot into the aisle towards the front of the bus, skidding towards the driver at an alarming rate.

David, quick, grab her. Evelyn threw David after Mandy then struggled to get there herself. Before she managed to, David had latched onto Mandy’s arm and was dragging her back to their seat. Mandy wasn’t coming quietly and by now other passengers were glaring at this noisy family. Sorry, so sorry everyone. Come on Mandy, please come quietly. There now, sit here and please stop shrieking. she added through gritted teeth.

Yes, be quiet Mandy, David added. Don’t you know we’re here?

Of course Mandy didn’t know what her brother was talking about, but he looked serious, enough for her to quieten down and wait to see what would happen next.

Thank you David. You’re my little man aren’t you? Evelyn smiled.

Not little mum, please. I am seven you know

Of course I do, I apologize. My big man. Now, let’s get ourselves tidied up and ready to rock and roll!

David loved the idea of rocking and rolling. He was excited, but also a bit scared of their adventure so far. And now that they were here, what would it be like living in a strange place where they didn’t know anyone? Where would his new school be? Would he make friends again? He was leaving so much behind. His eyes filled with tears.

Don’t worry David. It’s going to be all right I promise. Evelyn put her arm around her small son and hugged him tight. She too was feeling apprehensive. In-fact she was feeling down right scared. But it was done now, they were here, miles away from their other life. A new one was beginning and Evelyn was determined to make the best of it.

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They stood at the terminus on the outskirts of Town, a small family with three suitcases beside them. Now we need to find our way to our new house, Evelyn brightly told her children. The smell of diesel was in her nostrils and her tummy rumbled from hunger. They had shared some ludicrously expensive sandwiches at the last bus terminus but that seemed forever ago.

As if she read her mother’s mind, Mandy began to whine. Hungry mummy. Thirsty.

I know poppet. Just give mummy time to think. What do we do first?

I’m hungry too mum. David squeezed Evelyn’s hand.

Alright, here’s what we’ll do. We’ll find somewhere to eat and then we’ll get a taxi to our new home. It’ll blow the budget by miles, she thought, but this is an exception. If she didn’t act soon she’d have a mutiny on her hands and besides, she wanted to get settled and go to bed as soon as possible. It had been an incredibly long and unnerving day.

Evelyn led them out of the bus terminus and away from the florescent lights and overhead announcements. She dragged two suitcases along, one in each hand with David managing the smaller one. Here they were faced with a row of shops, the noise of traffic and a huge ‘fish and chips’ sign.

Hurray! David shouted. Mum, mum can we, please? He looked up at Evelyn, his eyes begging her. Could it be a treat? Fish and chips?

Alright, come on then, she laughed.

Hurray. Look Mandy, do you want chippies? David dragged his sister into the premises and what seemed like an age later, a very tired mother and children came out again.

Evelyn bustled the children towards a taxi. Twelve Riverview Avenue please, she told the driver. Come on children, in you get. The taxi drew away from the sidewalk and quickly picked up speed. Being dark, Evelyn had no idea which direction they headed in. How much further? she asked after a while.

Nearly there, the driver gruffly answered.

Mummy, tired, little Mandy’s voice came from the back. An’ mummy, sick mummy!

Oh, stop the car! Evelyn yelled. Just in time, the taxi screeched to a halt and David flung the door open and pushed Mandy out.

Good work son, Evelyn sighed, watching Mandy’s tea come to light.

Close one there ma’am. Wouldn’t have liked the seats covered in that mess. The taxi driver revved the engine, indicating his need to keep going. Evelyn noticed the meter was still ticking over.

With Mandy whimpering in the back seat, they finally drove off the road, between two gate posts. The gate itself hung crookedly to one side of the overgrown drive. The house was in darkness. This is it lady. The taxi driver got out and plonked her suitcases onto the ground.

Evelyn paid him, wondering the speed at which her savings were disappearing. As she watched the taxi’s tail lights wink into the distance, she heard a familiar noise. Mandy stood with her arms locked around Evelyn’s legs and wailed into her dress. Come here poppet, mummy’s got you. Now, the man said the key would be under the mat. Let’s get it and go in. We’ll have a hot drink and then get a good night’s sleep. Keeping cheerful was becoming a full time job for Evelyn. Her mouth hurt from smiling so hard. If it wasn’t for the children, she too would be wailing.

Grabbing David’s hand, by the light of the moon she headed up the two steps that led to the veranda. Unfortunately the moonlight ran out near the front door so she had to grope for the key, the children sticking to her like limpets. Got it! she cried, so relieved that it was there. She fumbled with the lock and finally heard it give. The door squeaked open. Evelyn felt for a light switch and flipped it on.

Oh, oh umm, well here we are children! Evelyn felt like running a mile. The light revealed a bare hallway that stretched the full length of the house. She peered into the room on her left, which was full of tea chests and piles of clothes – nothing else. Then she opened the door to her right. In here was a bed, but in pieces. So much for the house being fully furnished, she fumed.

Mandy let out an ear splitting wail. I want home, my bed! she shrieked.

Yes well, thought Evelyn, so do I right now. Let’s see what else we can find shall we? She walked down the hallway, David and Mandy following, and flung open another door on the left. It was the kitchen. It was small, with a stove and an old fridge. She tried the sink taps. Good, at least there’s hot water. There must be a bathroom somewhere where we can have a wash.

David ran across the hall and disappeared into an alcove. Hey mum, there’s stairs here.

Evelyn heard him thump up them. Be careful David, we’re right behind you. At the top of the stairs, Mandy ran down another long hallway calling for David. Bathroom’s here mum, he said, appearing from a room. It was tired looking but functional. A large bath with a huge shower-rose over it, was swathed in a bright green shower curtain.

Good we can wash tonight, before we go to bed, she said as cheerfully as she could. Let’s see what’s in the other rooms. Evelyn backed out, hoping like mad that there were serviceable bedrooms here somewhere. After all, she had been assured that the house was furnished! She tentatively opened another door, and stepped into a large bedroom with a double bed and mattress. Bright, floral curtains hung over the window and a wardrobe and dressing table stood side by side. Thank the heavens! she exclaimed and gave a sigh of relief. Come on then, one more room to go. She marched the children along to the end room. The door was already open and before she turned on the light she spotted one bed then another, lined up side by side. The room was furnished and was painted a bright yellow. Look, this room’s just for you," Evelyn said brightly.

David jumped onto the nearest bed. This one’s mine, he cried.

Mine, mine, Mandy yelled and tried to climb on with him.

Now, no fighting over beds please. We need to get the suitcases up here, have a hot drink, then a wash before we all go to sleep. If she had her way she would hop into bed right now, but knew she had to help the children settle in, feeling safe and secure.

They trooped back down to the kitchen. Evelyn opened cupboards and drawers to see what utensils and crockery had been provided. To her delight they were well stocked, albeit nothing looked very new. There was even bread in the bread-bin and milk in the fridge, so she filled the kettle and found three bright mugs. She had brought some basic needs with her and now placed tea, sugar and cocoa onto the kitchen table. It was then that she spotted the envelope addressed to Mrs. Beech – that was her.

Dear Mrs. Beech,

Welcome to my home. I am sorry about the mess downstairs. I am still in the process of moving out. I promise it will all be cleared away over the next few days and some decent furniture will be installed for you. Enjoy your first night here, and I will be over first thing in the morning.

Mr. Thom Perkins.

The letter helped Evelyn to settle. It explained the mess downstairs and Mr. Perkins – the owner - was going to make it into a real home for her after all. She felt her tummy muscles relax as she let out a big sigh. Drink up please, then up to the bathroom. A quick wash and bed.

Don’t wanna go mummy. Stay down here with you. Mandy cried.

Silly poppet, mummy’s coming up with you too. She ruffled her daughter’s curly blond hair and wondered how such an angelic looking tiny tot could be such a devil. David, help me with this suitcase please.

Evelyn locked up the house, then they made their way upstairs. She left the mugs and cocoa out. Time to clean up in the morning, she firmly told herself. Start as you mean to go on. This house would look lived in, not like the ‘show-home’ she had just left.

Showered and teeth cleaned, the little ones hopped into bed. Once they’re asleep it’s my turn, she thought. A long hot soak in the bath for me. I’ll leave a light on in the hall, and if you wake climb in with each other, she told them, though I doubt either of you will wake. You’re both so tired you’ll still be asleep at lunchtime! Evelyn tucked them in, planted sloppy kisses on their cheeks and tiptoed back along the hall. She turned on the bath taps and busied herself with putting toiletries away. They hadn’t brought much with them. Three suitcases barely got them enough clothes and other essentials to keep a mouse-house going. However, she had stored some things with her friends Jean and Brian and one day when she could afford it, she’d have them sent on. Until then, they would manage.

Evelyn slipped into the hot bath and let out a long sigh of relief. The worst was over and now they could get on with new lives. It had been a nightmare journey up to this point, starting how many years ago? About ten she calculated, beginning on the first night of her marriage to John. But now she was free. He wouldn’t find her here, she had been so careful to hide her trail and her close friends wouldn’t tell him. Loyal to the end, Jean and Brian had seen her off early this morning and would now be telling him a pack of lies. No, he wouldn’t find out from them, she was sure of that.

Evelyn checked David and Mandy then went to her own room. She slipped under the covers and lay with her hands behind her head, thinking. There was plenty to do this coming week. Get her bearings, find the local primary school, get in some groceries, open a bank account, and eventually get some work. Mandy would have to be baby-sat, so part time work would be best……. She slept.

Mummy…..mummy where are you? Evelyn stumbled out of bed, anxious to quiet Mandy before she woke John, when all hell would break loose. She stumbled over something. What was it? There shouldn’t be anything in her way. Where on earth am I? The penny dropped and Evelyn scuttled into the bedroom next door. Mandy sat up in bed, her fists in her eyes. Mummy, where were you? she wailed.

I’m here pet, it’s alright now. She looked over at David, still dead to the world. It wouldn’t be fair to put Mandy in with him now. Usually she did as John hated the children in bed with him and refused to help with them during the night. He had to work he said, so needed his sleep. But now it’s time to stop that, Evelyn realized.

Come in with me pet, Evelyn whispered and carried Mandy back to her own bed. Within minutes they were both asleep and remained snuggled up together until long after the first star faded.

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Chapter 2

T he sound of a car pulling up outside, finally got Evelyn out of bed. She had been dozing on and off for some time, luxuriating in the thought that from now on she could get up whenever she wanted to. She’d forgotten that Mr. Perkins was calling on her this morning. She untangled herself from Mandy’s arms and legs, noting that David had slipped in with them too. Then dragging her dressing gown around her, she hurried down the stairs as someone knocked on the front door.

As she opened it, she got her first glimpse of the property she had rented. It was stunning. Ignoring the man standing in-front of her, hat in hand, she looked past him and surveyed the scene. Beyond the veranda, long, unkempt grass led to a falling down fence covered in jasmine. It was starting to flower as it was early summer. Lazy bees hummed as they lost themselves amongst the twining foliage. A narrow road lay beyond the fence, then a strip of grass and then a sparkling river of water she knew to be called the Dee, after its namesake in the British Isles. She had read all about it when researching Stott’s Corner.

In the mid eighteen hundreds nearby in Central Victoria, gold had been found. Stott’s Corner began its life as a stop-over point, for the thousands of prospectors heading to these goldfields. The small area, first known casually as ‘the corner’ became prosperous – not from gold, but from sales of food, horses and equipment to those men with gold fever – a need to keep searching and digging for that elusive nugget that would make them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams.

When the bulk of the gold ran out, so did many people. Not Mr. Stott a man of cunning, business acumen. He was determined to make his wealth off the backs of others. He kept open – even expanded – his general store, then began buying left right and centre – shops, houses, horses, in-fact anything that anyone wanted to sell. He always found a market for what he didn’t want to keep and his wealth knew no bounds. He grew rich enough to name the Town after himself, with no local objections at all. The Stott’s had now lived in this area for well over one hundred years, and indeed still owned much of the shopping precinct.

Er, Mrs. Beech? Hello? Thom prompted.

Evelyn was startled out of her reverie, by the sound of his voice. She quickly realized what she had done. Oh my, you must think me so rude. Extending her hand to shake his, she beamed up at him. The river, it’s breathtaking!

That it is. It’s still pretty full. It’s not quite so lovely when the levels drop and the mosquitoes come out, he chuckled. I’m Thom Perkins, Mrs. Beech. If I could bother you to come in, I can give you the rundown on the place?

He rocked nervously from one foot to the other, peering at her from under an unruly mop of brown, curly hair. Evelyn stole a glance at him before she turned to lead him to the kitchen. He was probably six feet tall. He was slim and wore what looked to be typical workman’s clothes – a pair of tough canvas trousers and a light brown short-sleeved shirt. He didn’t carry any weight and his arms and face were smooth and tanned.

Would you like some toast Mr. Perkins? I’m just about to get some organized for the children. No doubt they’ll be down soon.

Er no thanks, but a cuppa would be more than welcome.

Of course. Give me a minute to get dressed, then I’ll put the jug on.

Thom sat at the kitchen table, which up until yesterday had known only his presence. He swallowed, as he realized that he would possibly never return here to his home. He had to make ends meet so that he could keep his business afloat, and by living on its premises, plus renting out his own home, he could just about do it. For how long he didn’t know, as this was make or break time.

He watched as on Evelyn’s return she went about getting his tea ready. She was small in stature and delicate in build. Her fair hair was caught up in an untidy bun, with tendrils loosely dangling around her neck and forehead. She looked tired and worried. He thought she might be in her late thirties, but it was always difficult to gauge a woman’s age and one never asked them either. He hesitated, then began to talk to her about clearing out the remnants of his stuff. He would also show her over the property when she was ready, he said.

Do you take sugar Mr. Perkins? she asked as she